Since this is the gayest inauguration in the history of the country (“Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law” was a fist-pump, FUCK YEAH of a moment), let’s indulge in that grand gay tradition of oohing and ahhing over someone else’s clothes.

In this case, it’s coat porn for the ladies:

U.S. President Barack Obama is sworn in during the public ceremonial inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC.

I think the belt was in part for impact-at-distance. She didn’t want to pull focus off the persons being sworn in, but it wasn’t a bright coat and you want viewers to be able to pick out the First Lady.

They looked very dignified and wonderful. Regardless of anyone’s politics (like the president or not), class and dignity ALWAYS deserve appreciation!

They are doing a wonderful job teaching those girls how to dress, as well. Can you imagine if they’d shown up dressed sloppily and (therefore) disrespectfully? I’m so proud of ALL of them. Their appearance shows respect for their position and for all of us as Americans. Bravo.

I really like the way Michelle’s gloves called to the colors of her daughters’ coats. Very nice. They are an enviably lovely family.

Snailstsichr

I am just in love with her gloves! I believe there are leather gloves in my future.

eowyn_of_rohan

That may actually be the best I’ve ever seen her. That fabric, that pattern, that silhouette — with or without the belt — it’s all amazing. I loved the Isabel Toledo she wore in 2009, but this seemed cleaner, less fussy. I gasped when I saw it.

And when talking about the gayest inauguration ever, POTUS also name-checked Stonewall and Richard Blanco is the first openly gay poet to do the Inaugural Poem. A very good day — now I want to see FLOTUS at the ball tonight!

Craig and Michelle are both Princeton grads, so the scarf could swing either way.

Chaiaiai

Do people actually wear their undergraduate colors anywhere? I’ve never seen this and I went to a pretty poncey school. I just assumed Coach Craig was giving the Beavs a shout out since they are on a losing streak AND he is missing a game.

libraangel

Yeah, I know about giving a shout out and all, but as I said before, a football scarf at a presidential inauguartion – come on, please! NO

I actually looked after seeing this post–the sale colors are gone, and what’s left is a little limited. You’re totally right.

alyce1213

I am so proud of our first family. They are remarkable.
FLOTUS in her Thom Browne coat is a fashion moment for the ages.
I love that the girls wore shades of purple (unity of blue + red).
Their accessories were all perfect.

I heard that designers whose clothes are worn at events like this get about $14 million worth of free publicity (how that figure is calculated, I don’t know). But good for Thom Browne! I imagine the thousands who are Googling him today may be stunned by his avant garde collections. He does make gorgeous menswear — Michelle’s coat is based on a men’s necktie fabric.

Altogether, a sartorially and politically good morning.

“. . . our journey is not complete until our wives, our mothers, and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts.”

It’s based on ratecard equivalents. I haven’t spent enough time around comms people to learn how they are calculated, but since you know how much it costs to advertise in various publications you can figure out how much free editorial coverage is worth. Wow, I am so glad I posted this!

They wore different shoes for church as well, the girls had cute flats which were tones of purple, and Michelle had some heels on. I still have not managed to work out if all 3 changed into boots for the ceremony but I am pretty sure Malia did, just difficult to catch a glimpse of it in that crowd.

I can’t get enough of looking at the three of them, they are so beautiful.

I love the color-coordination among all of the Obama ladies. Well done. 🙂

SapphoPoet

Beautiful. The whole family looked good, including Michelle’s mother–loved the peach shade on her.

Snailstsichr

Richard Blanco, the poet who delivered the inauguration poem is the first openly gay poet * to be invited to read a poem at the inauguration. And to make this clothing related, he used the word stitch (as in stitch uniforms) in the poem. As a poetry fangirl, I just squeed at that line.

* to be honest, I didn’t fact check this.

formerlyAnon

Fear not. There have only been five poets reading their work at inaugurations: Robert Frost (Kennedy), May Angelou (Clinton), Miller Williams (Clinton), Elizabeth (Obama) and now Blanco.

He’s also the first Hispanic poet.

LearnedFoot

Oh, how I loved that Maya Angelou poem. Even now, just recalling that “Good morning” in her powerful voice gives me chills.

formerlyAnon

Pointless anecdote: Maya Angelou and my mother used to shop in the same grocery store (Harris Teeter.) Not in far distant years, but within the last decade.

Katherine Goodman

The Obama ladies all look smashing. I would like one of each of those coats (especially Malia’s — I love that shade of purple)!

The Obamas are such a lovely family, and I am so very happy that they will be in the White House for another four years.

Cathy S

Give me ALL the coats, and no one gets hurt.

nancymae

I love how each Obama had their distinctive look… not too complicated or overthought (just ignore the scurrying minions behind the scenes) yet perfectly done and coordinated with each other family member. The girls coats, POTUS’ tie, Michelle’s gloves… it was all wonderful.

mjude

LOVE Flo’s coat…want. those daughters are just adorable, how can you not love?

nancymae

Related random question… what did everyone think about Jill Biden’s and Nancy Pelosi’s looks? Both seem to have taken a page from the Shelley O style guide to bows and color. They looked good.

formerlyAnon

I don’t actually like big bows, pretty much anywhere, but I think Ms. Biden pulled it off. And it was a clever way to make an impact without breaking the monochromatic coat – successfully festive, appropriately serious, and not pulling too much focus.

I liked Pelosi’s coat better. I think the red was pretty bold, considering the occasion and her place on/near the podium, but she wears a lot of red and looks good in it.

BrooklynBomber

Didn’t see Pelosi, and all I noticed about Biden was the damn bangs. Ix-nay!

What a gorgeous family! Who is the handsome young fella sitting behind them? I noticed Malia was talking with him lots before all the VIPs started processing in.

formerlyAnon

A cousin, one of the commentators said.

libraangel

And does anyone know who the dressed-up elderly lady (even hat!) who followed Michelle down the stairs to the podium is? Just curious.

formerlyAnon

And, as Snailstsichr noted above, the first openly gay and first Hispanic poet to read at an inauguration, Richard Blanco. There are some interesting interviews with him (one from a PBS news show, one that aired on one of the old big 3 networks, not sure which) floating around the Internet.

I think Ms. Obama KILLED IT. The girls looked great, very appropriate and camera-friendly. This group does put in the nuts-and-bolts work.

All 3 of those coats (and the ladies wearing them!) are so gorgeous. I’m trying so hard to convince myself not to buy Mailias coat since they only have my size in that colour in petite and I’ll be so sad when it comes and doesnt fit my boobs. I might even win (but only if it sells out before I get home from work)

kschwarting

J. Crew has been making that coat for several years–you might try ebay to see if there’s one your size.

unbornfawn

The coats are fantastic, but, I’m coveting those purple leather gloves. They all look fabulous! What a proud day.

punchycats

What a gorgeous family!

Winter_White

I LOVE the ‘color story’ here. All three coats, all of their accessories – just glorious. I like Michelle’s coat without the belt better…the structure is so crisp and formal, yet you want to touch that beautiful fabric.

I’m not sure I like Michelle’s new bangs, but the coat is a triumph. I also like the fact that she wore gloves in a color that referenced Malia’s coat. I can’t tell if Michelle’s coat is blue, gray, or purple, but if it is purple, I wonder if the First Ladies all wearing a variation of purple was a subtle visual reinforcement of the idea that the nation is neither red nor blue, but somewhere in between.

guest2visits

All pretty coats and gloves… but i love Michelle’s; great coat, boots, belt… Still not sold on the bangs, but not terrible.

berkeleygirl

Why no First Mother-in-Law???

Tom Shea

Does anybody know for sure whether Craig Robinson is repping Princeton or Oregon State with the orange-and-black scarf? Where he went to school or where he works? I wondered the same thing back in 2009.

libraangel

Actually, didn’t like that ; a football scarf at an INAUGURATION?! ‘what will that look like in the historical photos of the future?!

This has nothing to do with anything, but I posted this previously on the wrong blog. I don’t remember Kelly Clarkson’s outfit (but that singing! I agree with Sen. Schumer – WOW!) so I can’t comment on that , but I know everyone will know my age now, but to see James Taylor in a very conservative tie & suit, to use a 60’s/70’s term: “blew my mind”. I remember Sweet Baby James as a hippy protester, pothead (no criticism intended! I looked the same!) How times have changed! As a matter of fact, back in the early 70’s, I would have said he was selling out if I saw the future him, if you know what I mean!
p.s. What did everyone think of Kelly’s outfit, BTW?

“Since this is the gayest inauguration in the history of the country”… great line!

CeeQ

The coats are gorgeous and those colours were wonderful =) I am coveting that belt on FLO.
Well done Obama Gals!

libraangel

Beautiful – perfect- stunning -all three. Malia could be a model

Coco Cornejo

Malia could be a model. But did you see what Sasha did the minute she got to her seat in the parade review stand? She took off her coat to reveal the lovely purple striped dress she’s wearing perfectly Sanforized with a faux stone necklace. That young lady is truly a fashionista in training.

Also loved that Malia totally photo bombed her sister when she tried to get a photo of their parents kissing.

Okay, seeing the Obama girls acting like normal teenagers was totally a SQUEE moment for me.

Are you really not watching the new PR season?
I will for ein kleines bisschen, weil ich so neugierig bin.
The 23 yr.old young woman has good taste (her outfit) I forgot her name. It is Kathleene(spelled wrong)

SugarSnap108

That coat is absolutely gorgeous. And with the boots and the gloves, she is rocking the hale out of it. Still not loving her bangs, though.

GretaChristina

ZOMLOG, want want want want want! Please, FSM, make an affordable version of this appear in stores, now please!

I realize that 867,984,376 other women are thinking exactly the same thing right now. I don’t even care. WANT!

I have those gloves! I have those gloves! My son calls me the “Jokers Henchman” when I wear them, but I got them before Christmas. Does that make me in with the in crowd? Do I get a prize? Am I finally, finally fashionable?? Yay me!

FLOTUS and the FDOTUS are Uber awesome in these pics. (I DO realize that it’s not about me.)

Although I do wish a girl that young would keep her hair natural. I know, I know, the racists of America would have a field day if they dared, hair is a personal choice, blah blah, but still. I am firmly a “No Chemicals No Makeup No Shaving until you’re 13” kinda old fashioned gal. There’s nothing more grating than a little girl in make-up that does not consist of colored chalk and glitter.

I feel that way about most of the baby starlettes too. It’s why I love Kiernan Shipka, she looks like a young girl and knows that is what is appropriate. And she only knows this because her parents are sane.

libraangel

I agree because Malia is only 14 and she is getting her hair straightened? Plus I don’t think it is good for the hair. But Malia is so beautiful – like a model

That is one gorgeous family! Michelle is absolute perfection. And not for nothing, but she just makes me feel so proud! It also makes me laugh to remember back during their first campaign when the right wing media was screaming about how Michelle was a liability. She could not possibly be anymore the opposite of that!

Wow. That man has three chic ladies in his house. I just love what all of them are wearing and it is so clear that the three of them talk about clothes and their accessories together. The scarves, the pop of color gloves. I love our first family.

Tamara Hogan

Hi guys – do you know whose coat Malia is wearing? Coat porn, indeed!

alyce1213

J. Crew, Lady Day coat, $298 retail

Judy_J

Gorgeous, gorgeous, and gorgeous!

poggi

I love how coordinated the whole family looks from tie to coats to gloves. They each look great, individually and when they stand together.

tmchale

The coat flares out too much at the bottom, but yeah, it’s almost perfection. Nice to see something unconventional.

ccm800

Say what you will if you gotta…but we have one GOOD LOOKING first family!

KatieSoukup

yes love the gloves. just one hint of color (since is this is the gayest inaug!). And the boots are to DIE for. How about Dr. Jill and her kick ass pumps? She’s a bit of a hottie too. But we are all-Biden in DE you know.

Something about her hair and this get-up makes me think of Willie Wonka. All she needs is those big round sunglasses.
BUT
The coat and the gloves and the belt, are all extreme knock-outs. Super impressed. LOVE her in this. Spectacular.